Epilogue
Ox
Five Years Later
Jo tips back and forth in the rocking chair with our four-year-old daughter, Maria. She’s been sick with the flu and sleeping has been nonexistent. Our three-year-old, Tyler, is still tucked away in bed. So far, he’s avoided getting sick. I hope it stays that way. That kid’s a beast when he’s not feeling well.
I rub Jo on the back of her shoulders, massaging the muscle that meets her neck. “Why don’t you let me hold her, and you go take a nap?”
She shakes her head and stays in place. “I’m okay. I dozed off a few times already. You feeling better?”
“Fever is gone this morning, so I’m on the mend. It’s probably thanks to that soup you made us. Just in time, too. I have those new contracts starting at work next week.”
“Christmas Rodeo, right?”
I nod and grin as Jo moans and rolls her neck into my touch.
“That feels great.”
I massage her muscles deeper. “How’s Maria’s fever?”
“Down to one hundred, so we’re getting there.”
Maria stretches away from her mother and looks toward me. “Daddy! I need Daddy snuggles.”
My heart tightens and I reach for my little girl. I never saw myself as this guy.
The good guy. The guy who comes home after work to hold his daughter.
The guy that fixes bicycles and braids hair for fun.
“We still set for our anniversary trip?” My beautiful wife’s hair is matted and flat and her nightgown is slipping off her shoulder. She’ll tell you she looks awful, but I guarantee, this is the way I like her best. There’s something about seeing her in these relaxed moments that no one else gets to see that makes me happiest.
“Just about. I was searching around on my phone a bit today and I found the same exact campsite that we stayed at on our wedding night. Should I book it?”
“There’s a sustainability convention going on that weekend, too. We can check out all the ideas and maybe bring some home with us.” Her tone is light and eager.
“Yeah. We’ve got to break that new fifth wheel in, anyway. We can haul back whatever we find at the convention. We’re good on plant supplies, but I think we could use more ideas for a natural watering system.”
She turns toward me, her eyes wide. “Are you sure we can swing this right now? I know you’re busy with the security firm and all. We can always postpone.”
I lean into my wife and kiss her forehead. “No. We will absolutely be taking this trip. We haven’t been away since the wedding. It’s good for us to do things like this.”
We married in Yellowstone five years ago next week. Jo wore a little flowered sundress, and I wore my cowboy boots, a pair of jeans, and a button-down. I don’t remember many of the details of the day, but I remember my girl. My girl with her long, blonde hair blowing back in the wind. She wanted to marry at the park because of the dramatic scenery, but I swear that her smile took the day.
“My sister said she can watch the kids. I’m just hoping everyone feels better by Sunday. I hate leaving when the kids are sick.”
“That’s still five days from now. They’ll be better by then.” I lean down and kiss my daughter’s forehead. “This one is already feeling better. Look at her! I think she wants a popsicle.”
Maria grins and pushes her blonde hair out of her eyes. “Red popsicles?”
I nod. How is it that even this small event fills my heart with so much warmth? “Red popsicles. Should we grab one?”
She wiggles down out of my arms and runs into the kitchen, tugging the freezer door open with a grunt.
Jo drags in a deep breath and smiles. “What did I do to deserve you and all your babies?”
“Me?” I grin, reaching to help my girl up from her seat. “What did I do to deserve you? We’re so lucky to have you. You know that, right?”
She bites her bottom lip and rings her arms around my shoulders, staring up at me. “Whatever! These kids would be a hot mess if it weren’t for you. You show them everything. Tyler told me last night that you two are working on a fort. I haven’t seen it yet. Why is that?”
I smile and hold her close. “Duh. No girls allowed.”
“Is that right? Not even hot ones?”
I tilt my head to the side. “Well, maybe we’ll let in one hot yoga instructor and a cute little popsicle monster.”
“Deal… as long as we can bring chips and pie. I made your favorite, apple crumble.”
“How’d you manage all that with me and the kids being sick?”
She shrugs. “It’s frozen, but the thought counts like it’s fresh.”
My lips land on hers soft and slow as my thumb grazes against her chin.
“Hey…” Maria stands in the doorway and stares toward us with an annoyed look on her face. “Enough with all that. I need this popsicle opened.” She holds up the plastic container filled with frozen juice.
Jo and I laugh, and I reach down for Maria, lifting her into my arms. “Daddy loves giving Mommy kisses, though. I can’t stop.”
Maria rolls her eyes. “Well, you have to, Daddy, because right now I need my popsicle!” I have a feeling I’ll want to remember this moment. Maybe I should write it down.
I drag in a deep breath and watch as Jo follows Maria into the kitchen to cut open her treat. It’s a simple moment, but an overwhelming one. A moment I didn’t think was coming for me.
At my age, I figured my life was set in stone. I’d made a path for myself through motorcycle clubs and found friends with folks who made family with each other. I’m still thankful for that every single day. Without my brothers and the extended family I’ve found out here, I’d have never started this security firm. Without this firm, I’d never have met Jo. And without Jo, I’d never have had two beautiful kids that I’d do anything for.
It’s funny how life goes. One second, you’re blazing down a trail alone, sure that there’s nothing out there for you. The next, you’re standing in the pouring rain, desperate for the love of a woman you’ve only just met.
I guess that’s the beauty of any journey. You can see the turns coming, but you don’t know what’s behind the bend. And if you’re as lucky as I am, you might just find the love of your life.